The classification is based on producing 90% fewer emissions than the average gasoline-powered vehicle.
[1] The SULEV standard is stricter than the standard for LEV (low emission vehicle) and ULEV (ultra-low-emission vehicle), however not as strict as PZEV (partial zero-emissions vehicle) which meets the SULEV standard for tailpipe emissions, but has zero instead of reduced evaporative emissions.
In order to qualify as a PZEV, a vehicle must meet the SULEV standard and, in addition, have zero evaporative emissions from its fuel system plus a 15-year/150,000 mi (241,402 km) warranty on its emission-control components.
In the case of hybrid vehicles this warranty is extended to the electric propulsion components (electric motor/generator/starter, battery, inverter, controls) and their mechanical interface to the driveline.
However, the high-voltage battery warranty is limited to ten years (but still 150,000 miles).